An assassin-in-training must undergo a final test, but she decides to do things her own way.

Interview with Director Russ Emanuel and Writer/Producer Paul Hickman

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

We have always been fascinated with the action genre and Russ Emanuel the director had done an action short film called “Girl With Gun” back in 2004 which was screened at venues like San Diego Comic Con and helped catapult his feature film career. With “The Assassin’s Apprentice”, it all started as a 1-1/2 page script for a Kickstarter campaign, and grew from there. We are currently in the final stages of post-production (our final sound mix is this coming February 10-11), and the visuals are already completed.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

It’s an action-thriller drama, with a hint of sci-fi and a fair bit of humor. Something for everybody!

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

This is a coming of age story for Kaylee, the assassin’s apprentice. All about the choices one makes in life, do you take the road less traveled or the other one?

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The original script doubled into a 3-page short after the casting of stunt actor Tarah Paige as the assassin’s apprentice, then into a 6-page short after the casting of Robert Picardo, of Star Trek fame, as the master assassin, and finally into a 12-page short after we cast Marina Sirtis, also of Star Trek fame, as the assassin handler. And based on the actual locations we were able to get; the script was finessed to accommodate those said locations.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

We’ve entered a teaser trailer for The Assassin’s Apprentice (TAA) into several film festivals, and won the Jury Prize for Best Trailer, February 2017, in the Barcelona Planet Film Festival. We have shown rough cuts as a “work-in-progress” at several conventions and received valuable audience feedback. There was a pleasant moment when we could hear the audience members laughing for the right reasons and that made me feel we did something right.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Yes, but it really shouldn’t have.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

We hope to introduce our audience to our characters and storylines, as we expand our TAA franchise to include games and feature-length sequels.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

We’ll be looking for investors and/or distributors for our feature-length sequel “Assassins: The Last Mark.”

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

We would like to grow our TAA fan base and hopefully expand into a franchise.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

What were the influences of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Star Trek on your film?

Would you like to add anything else?

Ultimately, the film is about the characters and the story, not the action or the special effects, as cool as they may be.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

An “Assassin’s Apprentice” card game is in the works, and we are looking for funding for a feature-length film called “Assassins: The Last Mark.” Russ the director is also working on post-production of his fifth feature film “Wisper”.

Interview: February 2018

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIAQ+, scifi, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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The Assassin’s Apprentice

An assassin-in-training must undergo a final test, but she decides to do things her own way.

Length: 14:36

Director: Russ Emanuel

Producers: Howard Nash/Ryan T. Husk

Writer/Producer: Paul Hickman

About the writer, director and producer:

Paul Hickman is Silicon Valley-based producer, writer, technologist, cartoonist and IP attorney, who generally enjoys all things creative.

Russ Emanuel is an award-winning, Los Angeles-based director, producer and independent filmmaker. His films have explored many genres including science fiction, horror, drama, comedy, fantasy and documentary.

Howard Nash is a New York-based producer, actor and writer known for Tiger (2018), The Legends of Nethiah (2012) and P.J. (2008). His films have won 20 awards and 6 nominations.

Ryan T. Husk is a Los Angeles-based actor, producer and editor known for Renegades (2017), 5th Passenger (2018) and Blade of Honor (2017). He is well known for his work in the sci-fi field, and is active in the Star Trek fan community.

Key cast: Tarah Paige, Robert Picardo, Marina Sirtis, Rico Anderson

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Investors for a feature-length sequel.

Social media handles:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taamovie/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/russellemanuel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russem31/

Other: An official website is also in the works but not yet ready.

Funders: Paul Hickman, Kickstarter, Indiegogo

Made in association with: Innomagic Productions

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Various film festivals to be announced.